Grief counselors and therapists in Cleveland, OH

I’m a bilingual therapist working with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. Many of the people I support feel overwhelmed by overthinking, internal pressure, difficulty managing stress, and the uncertainty of what comes next.

In our work together, I focus on helping you make sense of what’s happening internally and develop practical ways to respond to stress and emotions. I integrate cognitive, somatic, and neuroscience-informed approaches to support both emotional and nervous system regulation.

I believe therapy should feel human. It can be structured but still fit your individual needs. I offer a space where you can show up as you are, while also doing meaningful work that leads to real shifts in how you experience and respond to life.

With over 25 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, life transitions, chronic illness, trauma (including first responders), aging-related concerns, and members of the agricultural and farming communities.

I provide telehealth services across multiple states, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

With more than 30 years of clinical experience, I provide therapy grounded in empathy, insight, and professionalism. I am known for being an engaged listener and for creating a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel supported without judgment. I'm a graduate of the University of Cincinnati Masters Clinical Social Work School, the University of Cincinnati's Medical School Family Therapy Institute, EMDR Consulting Licensure. My background includes extensive meditation experience and enables me to meet clients with flexibility, depth, and understanding.

I specialize in helping clients navigating trauma, anxiety, panic disorder, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, grief, & much more. I earned my MSW from New York University in 2011 and have worked as a forensic social worker in NYC at The Legal Aid Society & have also worked with Gay Men's Health Crisis, Services for the Underserved, Footsteps & Office of the Appellate Defender. I moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and have been in private practice since 2018.

Great to meet you! I am an independently licensed therapist in both Ohio and Florida with over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and rediscover their sense of purpose, strength, and well-being.

Throughout my career as a director, clinical supervisor, and counselor, I have had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life who are seeking balance, clarity, and growth. I specialize in supporting first responders and military veterans, as well as adults dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, career challenges, grief, addiction, substance abuse, and other mental health difficulties.

My therapeutic style is open, genuine, accepting, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I believe in meeting you where you are—with compassion, respect, and authenticity. Clients often describe me as straightforward yet warm, offering both empathy and honest feedback to help foster meaningful progress.

Hello, I'm Valerie. Whether you're new to therapy or looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, I'm here to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore life's challenges. Together, we'll work to better understand what's holding you back, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with confidence.

I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in the State of Ohio and a Certified Case Manager. I hold a bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and Child and Family Studies, as well as a Master of Social Work. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

You might look fine on the outside, keeping up with work, showing up for others, managing everything, while internally feeling exhausted, anxious, or like you've lost the thread of who you actually are. If that resonates, you're in the right place. I work with adults who are stuck in patterns they can't seem to shift: overthinking, people-pleasing, chronic stress, burnout.